I know a lot of you have been interested to know what Sarah’s plans are now that she’s out of college.
Well, today is the day you get to find out. How fun is that?
Here’s the scoop. At the end of August, Sarah will move to Ahoskie, NC where she will work as a communications/media intern at a church. (It’s an unpaid position but housing will be provided.) She will also work a non-church job for 30 hours a week so she’s going to be a busy gal.
What’s really cool about this is that Ahoskie is only two hours away AND she will be working for a pastoral couple that Steve and I have been friends with for thirty-seven years.
There’s a saying that says, “God works in mysterious ways,” and that was proven true again in this situation.
Steve and I and Sarah have been praying about her future and a job or internship; we know it can be difficult to get a start in your field when you don’t have much experience.
Well, about a month ago, Pastor Wallace and Joy Phillips were in town and asked us to go to dinner with them.
Over the course of the evening, the subject of their kids and our kids came up. And that conversation led to them asking what Sarah was going to do now that she had graduated.
Steve said, “Well, she is looking for a job or an internship in the communications/media field.”
And Wallace replied, “Well, it just so happens that I am looking for an intern in the communications/media field.”
And just like that, our prayers were answered. We are so thrilled, not only that she has a position, but that she will be with an amazing couple who we know well and admire greatly.
Here are a couple more interesting things about who she will be working with.
Today’s blog post marks my one-thousandth post on WordPress. Of course, I have written many, many more posts on Blogger and Caringbridge. In fact, over the past 16 years, I wouldn’t be surprised if the number of posts is well over 5,000 since I used to update 3-5 times a week. (Each post takes an average of 3-5 hours.)
Also, since transferring to WordPress in January 2012, you and I have contributed almost 24,000 comments to Smithellaneous. It has been such a joy to learn more about your lives and stories.
My brother-in-law Randy, texted me a photo of my sister, Debbie, taking Mom out for a Saturday night ride. They are two of my favorite ladies on the planet! Debbie is SUCH an amazing caregiver; Mom always describes her and Randy as her angels.
Mom is making a great recovery after her knee replacement surgery; I am so proud of her for her grit and determination to power through the pain and the therapy so that she can regain the use of her leg. You can’t keep a good woman down! (Love you, Mom.)
Moving from Mom’s medical stuff to my medical stuff . . . well, actually I don’t even know where to start.
It might be sufficient to say that I am giving my pulmonology team fits as they scratch their heads and try to figure out what exactly is wrong with me. The appointment last Monday was a bit disconcerting because the attending (a new-to-me doctor) made the unexpected pronouncement that I don’t have COPD after all. (I’ve been told that I have it for thirteen years now.)
His diagnosis is that I have obliterative bronchiolitis
Now let me just say first of all that any disease that starts with the word “obliterative” is not something that engenders warm fuzzy feelings.
When I had my first chest CT in September of 2018 I had my records printed out and saw that was one of the things they were looking for was obliterative bronchiolitis. After doing a little reading about it, I got pretty overwhelmed. Basically, my research said that two outcomes were 1. a lung transplant or 2) death from respiratory failure.
Neither one the cheeriest of outcomes.
But then it turned out that the September CT didn’t seem to indicate that disease being an issue so I didn’t give it any more thought. And then last Monday, I hear the news that I have that disease after all.
Let me just say that it was a somber 2 1/2 hour drive from Greenville back to Manteo.
The next day, I got to thinking a little more about that conversation and the fact that I seem to only have two out of the five main symptoms. (One symptom I have is shortness of breath; the other is that I have RA and often the two diseases can be linked.)
I wrote an email to the doctor to ask him to back up and/or further explain his diagnosis. I also mentioned that I was a bit taken aback by the offhanded way this rather dire news was shared with me.
It wasn’t even an hour later when the phone rang. The person calling was the resident, who had been in the room with the attending and me for the whole appointment.
She said, “I don’t think you have obliterative bronchiolitis.”
Really? You have called to contradict the attending’s opinion? Is this a case of dueling doctors?
I said, “Well, what DO I have?”
She said I didn’t have COPD but I do have some sort of obstructive pulmonary disease. Their practice has been seeing me for 7 years and they are no closer to an answer than when we started. They just know that my pulmonary function tests have steadily gone down over that period of time.
She said the attending was consulting with a senior colleague and she was also showing my April 2019 chest CT to a couple of radiologists. She said if anyone had any further insight, they would be in touch. She also said the next step may be a lung biopsy but they are wanting to do everything possible to not have to do something so invasive.
My pulmonologists are becoming more and more convinced that my RA is contributing to the worsening of the lung issues and that we should stay aggressive with the RA treatment. In response, my rheumatologist upped my methotrexate. (In higher doses that drug is actually used as chemo.) However, it started causing liver function issues so my rheumatologist had to back it down again. There is a difficult balancing act between the two diseases and all their accompanying medications.
It gets discouraging after a while, especially when no one can figure out why a life long non-smoker would develop a steadily worsening obstructive lung disease.
Even though Duke means a round trip of 8 hours, I have recently made a rheumatology appointment there for a second opinion. I’m thinking the time has come to do the same with pulmonology. They have some of the best doctors in the country and I think that at this point in my medical journey, I could benefit from their expertise.
I know this was kind of a long and involved story; thanks for your listening ears and compassionate hearts.
On this special 1,000 post anniversary, I wondered if you might be willing to share what the blog has meant to you over the years or any posts you might especially remember.
I would also be curious to know how you first heard about Smithellaneous.
Thanks for sticking with our family on our journey, some of you for the whole seventeen years I’ve been blogging. I am thankful for my amazing blog friends.
So happy for Sarah finding an internship. The jump from school to employment is hard for so many. Congratulations on your continuing posting and 1000 blog entries. I enjoy your Christian approach to all of life and not a my way or no way attitude and your positive approach even in the face of difficulties. As for medical stuff, I hope the doctors get to the bottom of your issues. Consider asking if your implants may be part of your problem.. I have heard of several people having assorted health issues that don’t seem related to implants but actually are. Apparently the body recognizes the implant as a foreign invader and responds accordingly. Enjoy the rest of your summer and your grand children are just adorable..
Mary,
It was interesting you would mention the implants; I have been doing some reading on those as well and am going to bring them up to the doctors to get their opinions.
Thanks for your encouraging words about my blog posts. I am so grateful to have wonderful readers like you.
Did Sarah complete any internships while in college or during her summers? My daughter is planning to major in communications and all the schools she’s considering recommend or require internships. I’m glad Sarah is going to be starting an internship because it is generally difficult to obtain a communications job without internships or related work experience.
Leah,
Sarah didn’t do any internships officially but she’s been working with me for ten years in my job doing media, graphics, editing, and a lot of communication through writing. So I guess that’s the next best thing! 🙂
Here’s hoping your daughter finds just exactly the right places to land–for her internship AND her college. I know you are proud of her and excited about what’s ahead for her. Daughters are pretty special!
Congratulations to Sarah on the really exciting new internship. It sounds like a perfect opportunity for her to get her foot in the door and gain experience in the field.
I’m so worried about your lungs Becky. Even though we’ve never met in person you’ve become dear to me over the years. I am praying that the doctors are able to find out exactly what is the cause/ diagnosis and then provide specific targeted treatment. Always remember you are carried in the hands of the Great Physician. I agree an appointment with specialists at Duke is a very good idea. Having the best in the field look carefully at your case will hopefully provide answers. Have you considered the Mayo Clinic ? I don’t know anything about any hospitals in the US other that that they are supposed to be a really good hospital that people go to when others have been able to provide answers.
Congratulations on writing so many blog posts. You’ve touched many many people with your stories and words! I couldn’t pick a favourite post—but I will tell you that the way you respond to comments has touched me deeply and taught me about compassion, empathy, kindness and communication with others. It impresses me how you respond to every person who leaves a comment. Your replies are always thoughtful and caring, even with the few comments over the years where people have expressed pain or left difficult comments. You have been unfailingly kind and encouraging. You are a very special person and this is reflected in your writing.
Jenna,
Thank you for your kind words; however, if anyone has the gift of encouragement, YOU do! Your comment was a perfect example of that. Thanks for taking the time and investing the thought into sharing such affirming words.
One of my favorite parts of blogging is reading and replying to comments. I feel so blessed that I get to hear from and interact with people from all over the world. Such a privilege to hear the stories and experiences!
Thank you so much for your concern and compassion about my health issues. It means a lot, especially coming from someone who is no stranger to health complexities. You know better than most all the emotions and challenges and struggles involved. Again, thank you for your comment, your caring words, and for simply being you. You’re truly a blessing.
Congratulations to Sarah on her internship! I’m sure she will do so well that job offers will quickly follow. I have been following your blog since Sarah was little and going through her first treatments. One of my favorite blogs was the toilet paper standoff. I know I’ve done the same kinds of things with my own family and they didn’t pass either! I cried right along with you when Snowy passed and cheered the graduations and births of your grandbabies. I know we’ve never met, but your writing makes it seem as if I know you. I look forward to reading your blog every week and seeing your spectacular photos! I hope to be seeing and reading for years to come!
Gayle,
I had forgotten that you’ve been around here for so many years. Wow! Congrats on being an oldtimer! 🙂
I pulled up the toilet paper post earlier this week and enjoyed re-reading it even more than writing it. It’s funny how such simple occurrences in a family can provide fun memories for many years to come.
Thanks for letting me know that you look forward to reading the blog every week; that means so much!
I began following Sarah’s Caringbridge site when she was in her first treatment. There are SO many posts that stick in my mind….I cried along with you as you told Sarah of her relapse. And over your breast cancer diagnosis and the loss of Snowy. And then there was the joy of NED, a wedding, grand babies and graduations and so much more. You have an amazing way with words. (And pictures!!) Thank you for sharing your lives with us all these years.
Yay for Sarah! I’m so glad she found something and with some really amazing people too. Yay again!
Yes, time for a second opinion. Prayers that the doctors at Duke can give clear answers. Gently.
Your mom is just amazing. And beautiful. Thankful that she is getting along so well!
Lee Anne,
It is so interesting to me to read what posts have stood out the most to my wonderful readers over the years. Thank you so much for taking the time to mention a few of your favorites. It was a nice trip down memory lane to think back to those stories. My CB readers have a special place in my heart because you have stuck with us sooo long!
And your words about my mom were so sweet. I agree that she is both amazing and beautiful.
Ah, so happy for Sarah. She will do well. What a blessing to be with friends and only be 2 hours away!
Your Mom looks great! So happy to hear she is doing better!
As I was reading your post, I kept saying, she needs a new eye to read/look at her case. I’m glad you are seeing a different doctor and I’m praying that he will have all of the answers. I know it’s been a long and difficult road for you and you just need some relief!
1,000 posts! That’s awesome! I’ve been here for every one of them. I came over from the Classic Smithellaneous. And before that, I came from Caringbridge. But I really don’t remember how I found that page. But, let me say that I am so happy that I did. College, dating, wedding, jobs, illnesses, moving houses, storms, trips, grand kids, saying goodbye to Snowy, renovations, painting, new cars, saying hello to Summer, birthday hat, DARE Thanksgivings, the blogging chair, thrift stores, Easter drama’s, toilet paper (I remember the “stand off”), tears, laughs, etc, etc, etc. I know I’m missing a lot, but that’s some of what I remember throughout the years. Thanks you for taking us along for the ride.
Krista,
What a great comment! I loved reading through all the blog memories you took the time to list; I was impressed with how many you came up with!
I went back and re-read The Toilet Paper Standoff and loved it (and laughed) all over again. Thanks for making my day.
I’m so happy for asRah! What a great opportunity for her! I’m glad your mother is recovering well.As for your medical issues. How frustrating! I hate when you can’t get a straight answer as to what is going on. HopingDuke can get you some answers and get you on the best course of treatment.
I have been following your sites since caringbridge. not sure exactly when I found Sarah’s site.i believe Sarah was recovering from her transplant. Also I can’t remember exactly how I came upon her sit,e, probably a link on someone else’s site. Thank you for sharing the joys and sorrows of your life
You are a very inspirational writer I feel like I know you, even though we”vex never met
Michele,
Wow, you are a REALLY long time follower. Thanks for hanging out with us for SIXTEEN years. Hard to believe!
And I love that we’ve been able to connect over those years; it’s a joy to have such a faithful reader.
Congratulations to Sarah and the way the Lord led in her life. Know she will be a blessing to her new ministry and to those in her new church. Oh, yes, a second opinion. That has got to be sooo frustrating. At least they do know that your RA has something to do with it. I almost had to chuckle at the resident who called and said, “I don’t think you have . . . Well, was it her place to tell you her opinion and to go against the doctor who saw you. Praying that when you get that second opinion it will be said to you in a kind and caring manner. So glad your mom is stil living and you are able to talk to her and at times see her. Remember, you have many folks who are praying for you and when you have a special prayer for something we will be there for you to pray and hopefully give you encouragement.
Sharyn,
How sweet of you to remind me of all the blog friends I have who pray for our family when there is a special need. That means so much!
And yes, I also hope that the second opinion doctor I see will give me better service than I have gotten so far. Unfortunately, Duke is booking a long time out so I may have to wait a while.
I agree, I think it is time to get a second opinion. I know the 8 hour round trip doesn’t sound delightful but just think of all the picture opportunities you might have. Prayers that you will find some answers.
I first came across Sarah’s Caringbridge site through a link on the Caringbridge site of Katia Solomon (Tampa area). I think I came along about the time Sarah had relapsed. You hadn’t yet moved to Manteo and Nathan hadn’t graduated high school.
Speaking of Nathan, Happy Anniversary to he and Meagan tomorrow. Their anniversary is easy for me to remember as it happens to fall on my birthday. I remember you citing a scripture that Meagan and Nathan referenced to decide their wedding date. Don’t remember what that verse was though. Okay, I had to look it up – 2 Chronicles 7:10. I had that verse written on a slip of paper in the keyboard tray of my desk for a long time, think it got lost when I moved from Tampa to Kansas.
I don’t know that I have a favorite post but I always enjoy the posts you have with lots of pictures.
Good luck to Sarah in her internship! I remember all too well how hard it is to get a job when you have no experience. Then there came a time when I was told I had too much experience.
Phyllis,
I love that you translated 8-hours on the road into photo ops! That’s my kind of thinking! 🙂
I know Sarah was linked on a lot of other cancer pages so that makes sense that you would have found her on one of them.
I had to look up 2 Chronicles 7:10; I had forgotten all about that verse. Thanks for the reminder.
And a VERY happy, happy birthday to you!
Becky, I agree, I think a second opinion from pulmonology at Duke is warranted, even though it’s not very convenient. Clearly, the group you have been seeing has come to the end of the line in their expertise. Good decision. Prayers that Duke will have some insight. Nothing worse than living in the grey zone, especially since it seems that time is of the essence.
As far as the blogs, I cannot, for the life of me, remember how I stumbled across your earliest blog, but I am so thankful that I did. The way you write and all the photos, as well as the humor and poignancy in the way you communicate the most dire of situations to us readers is amazing. Your family is inspiring. Some of the posts that stick out in my mind are the one where Sarah relapsed and you had the conversation with her with the kleenex at the kitchen table, the back and forth with your breast cancer diagnosis, the post about going to the movies with Sarah after diagnosis and all the healthy children with their tanned legs and your posts about your move to Manteo with the challenging timing of selling and buying houses. There are so many more posts that stick with me, thank you for continuing to share your family with us all. We are indeed privileged to have a peek into the ongoing Smith Family adventures.
Lesley,
That post about Sarah at the movies and me watching the other kids is also one that sticks out in my mind more than many of the other ones. It was such a poignant, sad moment and I will always remember how everything sort of froze around me for a moment as the “right then” moment and the picture of what the future might hold converged.
Some snapshots of life are simply unforgettable.
Thank you for your very kind words about my writing and our family. Thanks too, for the many, MANY comments you have left over the years–they are always insightful and interesting.
So glad you got to go to Provincetown recently. I know that’s your happy place!
Wow, just think of the millions of words you have written over the years! And all of them have served to encourage, inspire, bring smiles and tears, and made a way for so many to share in the journey. Life is better together! Thank you for all you and Steve have done over the years to bless others through this blog and through your lives. You practice what you preach and I so appreciate your authenticity and compassion.
So glad Sarah can get started in her career at such a good place and not too far from her mama! ? So proud of her!
Your medical stuff certainly is a fine example of a conundrum! I am so sorry you have had to deal with all this junk over the years. Praying for the people at Duke to find some definite answers, and answers they can all agree on for goodness sake!
Love you, so proud of you!
Love, Deb
Deb,
Yes, doctors agreeing would be a wonderful thing, indeed!
I am VERY thankful Sarah has found an internship so close by. I wasn’t sure if she was going to wind up in some distant place and I would have to undertake drastic measures to visit her! Two hours is EXTREMELY doable.
Thank you for your affirming words about the blog; you are always such an encourager. Hugs!
I’m so happy to hear how wonderfully things have worked out for Sarah and that your Mother is recovering well from her surgery! I know it’s hard to be so far away, so I’m sure having your sister and brother-in-law to help her is a great comfort. Prayers that you are able to get more answers for your health. I’ve always heard Duke has amazing doctors so I hope they are able to provide some answers.
I’ve been reading your blogs since Caring Bridge days. Did you one time write a post asking for birthday cards for Sarah (or was that someone else). I was drawn to the way you write and also because you were in North Carolina. I found your stories of living on the road for so long fascinating. I feel like I know you and your family and could sit and talk for hours. I hope to read 1000’s more blog posts from you!!
Sue Ellen,
Yes, I did write a post asking for birthday cards; it was shortly after she relapsed in 2006. I can’t remember how many cards she received but it was at least two or three hundred. I loved seeing her happy face when we piled them all up together.
Those road years were definitely fascinating. I so enjoyed them but am also glad to live in a little bit more space.
I’ll keep writing as long as you keep reading. 🙂 Thanks so much for your encouragement and for sticking around so long!
I look forward to reading Smithellaneous every Monday morning. You are such a wonderful writer and always make me smile or cry! You family is lovely and so kind and I just enjoy reading about everyone. I also came to this blog through CaringBridge many, many years ago….I had a friend who relapsed with leukemia in 2005 and that was my first introduction to CaringBridge and someone I found Sarah’s site. Good luck to Sarah as she begins this wonderful new adventure!
Dale,
So honored to get to be a part of your Monday mornings.
Caringbridge is such a great community; have come to know many wonderful people there.
Thanks for your encouraging words!
A long post! Good news on Sarah, sad news for you–but the Lord is in the midst of it all, every day, He will sustain and lead. Ruth
Ruth,
That’s a good reminder. Thank you!
Please know that I am available if you need anything when you come to Duke for a second opinion. You have all my contact information, and I am happy to help you out in any way that I can! I am so sorry that you are having to deal with these health issues, it is very frustrating when doctors can’t figure things out, since we see them as all knowing… but I know that God has you in his hand, and He is all knowing! I will be gone for two weeks in August… Abby and I are going to Thailand with our church for a mission trip… we will be gone from Aug 13-22. If you come during that time, I won’t be here, but will still try to help you before I leave if you need it!. You have friends here, and although we took care of Sarah all those years ago, we are very happy to help out her sweet mama with anything that she needs!! Take care, and keep me posted… happy to give you a ride, a place to stay (although I am 35 farther west from Duke) or whatever you need! Love you and your sweet family!
Tiffany,
You are SO sweet to offer your assistance to me; thank you for your always-helping heart.
How cool that you and Abby are going to Thailand together. I can only imagine the fabulous mother/daughter/ministry moments you will make together. What an incredible opportunity!
I haven’t started the process of getting an appointment for pulmonology but will get on that soon. The very earliest they could get me in for rheumatology was the end of October which was sort of disappointing. They said I could keep calling back though, to see if there have been any cancellations–I will definitely do that.
It’s good to know I have a Duke Pro to call on when I get there. Thanks again for the offer of your assistance. I appreciate you!
Ah, Friend! Continuing to pray for total healing for you . . . and wisdom for your medical team. Smithellaneous is so well written that it became the inspiration and benchmark for my own blogging experience. Congratulations on 1,000 Posts! So proud of the amazing, never-give-up lady you are!
Sheri,
I am honored to be a Blogging Buddy with you. I’m thankful you found enough inspiration in my blog to start your own blog, and now I get to be inspired by YOUR writing!
Thanks for adding so much good to my life.
Wendy Arthur introduced us to your Caringbridge page when her son Carson was in the transplant unit with Sarah at Duke. We have been followers since and met you at Duke when Sarah had an appointment and Jim had an app at the VA the same day. A visit to Smithfield twice (Installation Sunday and then one day just before you moved).One visit to Manteo on Sarah’s 16th birthday. Always look forward to your postings and have been so proud of Sarah’s progress. Love the pictures and especially graduations, Nathan’s wedding, grandkids and just meandering. Not sure of a favorite post. Never forget your visit when my Daddy passed away and then your Daddy went to Heaven about two weeks later. Steve’s surprise visit when I was diagnosed with breast cancer was a real boost. I know you were not asking for all this but such fond memories of times with wonderful friends. Prayers for answers on the medical front. Happy for Sarah and she will be about an hour from us. In fact, I was born in Union just outside of Ahoskie.
Ann,
I had completely forgotten you guys came for Steve’s installation in Smithfield; thanks for reminding me of that special memory.
Thanks too, for sharing those extra memories. I loved reading them! We’ve been hanging out together a long time, haven’t we? 🙂